Focal Endolymphatic Hydrops as Seen in the Pars Inferior of the Human Inner Ear

Conclusions: Endolymphatic hydrops of the pars inferior in the human may have a focal distribution. This study suggests that the pathogenesis of endolymphatic hydrops is unlikely to be because of distal obstruction of longitudinal flow and was more consistent with the hypothesis that homeostasis of the endolymphatic and perilymphatic volumes occurs all along the cochlear duct. Other factors including variable distensibility of Reissner's membrane or disturbance of local solute homeostatic mechanisms may be responsible for wide variations in the degree of hydrops. A focal inflammatory process during life may be one cause of focal endolymphatic hydrops as seen histopathologically.
Source: Otology and Neurotology - Category: ENT & OMF Tags: Sensorineural Hearing Loss & Tinnitus Source Type: research